Florida bill to keep children under 16 off social media moves forward amid debate on government’s role, parental rights
Amid a debate about the role of government and parental rights, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed a bill that seeks to keep children under the age of 16 off social media platforms.
DeSantis signs controversial ‘anti-riot’ bill into law
Joined by Florida Republican lawmakers and representatives from law enforcement agencies around the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday morning signed into law the controversial so-called anti-riot bill that aims to address protests that turn violent.
Jacksonville City Council meetings; ‘anti-riot’ bill; Feeding Northeast Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Councilman Terrance Freeman joins this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville” to discuss the City Council meetings in March that included discussions of the NOPE bill and the replacement of septic systems in the Christobel neighborhood. Then, Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren and state Rep. Cord Byrd join the show to share their views on HB 1, the so-called “anti-riot” bill. Finally, Susan King, president and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida, joins the show to talk about her meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and the help her organization is receiving and providing for COVID-19 relief.
Demonstrators travel from Jacksonville to Tallahassee to rally against ‘anti-riot’ bill
About a hundred people arrived Tuesday afternoon at the Florida Capitol to rally against the "anti-riot" legislation. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Demonstrators traveled from Jacksonville to Tallahassee on Tuesday to rally against House Bill 1, which has been dubbed “anti-riot” legislation. Supporters of the bill say it would help crack down on violent protests, while opponents say it’s overkill and could be used to restrict people from peacefully protesting. “We want lawmakers to know that we oppose House Bill 1.”Ben Frazier with the Northside Coalition is among those who say the bill would limit First Amendment rights. About a hundred people showed up Tuesday afternoon at the Florida Capitol to make known their displeasure over the legislation.
Civil rights advocates blast ‘anti-mob’ proposal in Florida
Those who organized or funded “violent” protests would be treated as members of organized crime syndicates. Civil rights advocates say this bill is blatantly unconstitutional, violating First Amendment rights. “The League of Women Voters of Florida strongly believes that this piece of legislation politicizes the right to protest and disregards the protections provided by the First Amendment. One cannot stand for freedom or liberty if you oppose free speech,” President of the Women Voters of Florida Patricia Brigham said. The Florida Republican leaders have also pointed to the attack in Washington, D.C. to bolster the justification for a crackdown on violent protests.